Conductive Fluid Heating Using Joule Effect to Reduce Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid heating devices face challenges in uniformly transferring heat to the entire fluid flow line, are limited in configuration due to convection-based heating, inefficient in reaching steady state, and emit significant greenhouse gases, making them inefficient and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A fluid heating device utilizing a conductive surface part with a heating source that generates heat through a potential difference, allowing current to flow through the fluid flow line, and includes a cooling part to recover heat from conductors, enabling efficient and uniform heat transfer without convection and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional convection-based heating using fossil fuels is used, then heating capability is achieved, but greenhouse gas emissions increase and device configuration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical convection-based heating system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction heating source generates an electromagnetic field that directly induces eddy currents in the conductive fluid, converting electromagnetic energy directly into thermal energy without mechanical convection or combustion processes, thereby eliminating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental heating parameter from convection-based thermal transfer to electromagnetic field-based induction heating. By utilizing the electrical conductivity of the fluid as a heating parameter, the system achieves heating through controlled electromagnetic interaction rather than fossil fuel combustion, resolving the contradiction between heating effectiveness and environmental harm
2Temperature
If heat is transferred through the entire pipe using conventional methods, then heating is achieved, but heat transfer uniformity is poor and steady state takes long to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform current density distribution within the fluid cross-section. The electromagnetic induction generates higher current density near the pipe wall and lower density toward the center, creating a controlled temperature gradient that ensures uniform heat transfer across the entire fluid cross-section and accelerates steady state achievement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternating current for induction heating, which creates time-varying electromagnetic fields that continuously induce eddy currents in the fluid. This periodic action ensures uniform heating throughout the fluid by continuously redistributing thermal energy, achieving both uniformity and rapid steady state
3Power
If fossil fuel combustion is used for heating, then heating power is sufficient, but energy efficiency is low due to long time to reach steady state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inefficient combustion-based heating with direct electromagnetic induction heating. The induction system transfers energy directly to the fluid through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating energy losses associated with combustion, heat exchanger inefficiencies, and long warm-up times, thereby dramatically improving energy efficiency while maintaining sufficient heating power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous and immediate heating action through electromagnetic induction. Unlike conventional systems that require long periods to reach steady state, the induction system continuously generates heat directly in the fluid as long as the electromagnetic field is applied, eliminating idle time and improving overall energy efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves efficient and uniform heating of fluids, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and enhances heat transfer efficiency by controlling temperature and minimizing energy loss, thus addressing the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the heating source may comprise: a current entry part including a first conductor electrically connected to the fluid flow line; a current accommodating part including a second conductor electrically connected to the fluid flow line and existing separately from the current entry part; and a voltage source... the fluid heating device may be installed to generate heat at the surface part by the current, thereby transferring the heat to the fluid in the inner passage
Implementation Method 2
The fluid heating device may further comprise a cooling part in contact with one or more conductors selected from the group consisting of the first and second conductors to enable heat exchange
Data Source
AI summary
This specification describes a fluid heating device and a use thereof. The fluid heating device can solve the problems of the conventional fluid heating device. For example, the fluid heating device can efficiently respond to carbon neutrality. Additionally, the fluid heating device can deliver precisely controlled heat to the fluid within a short time even when heating a large amount of fluid. A method of heating a fluid using the fluid heating device is also provided.